Three Most Common Types of Acne Scars and How to Get Rid of Them

Acne breakouts can be very frustrating but it is the scars that we really detest. The worst thing of all is there are actually several types of acne scars and different type of scars will require different treatment. Eliminating acnes can be very difficult but the scars can be even more to get rid of. If you want to get rid of the scars, make sure you know the type of the scars first so you can choose the most suitable treatment.

Image: Ryan McGuire

Ice Pick Scars

• Appearance
According to dermatologists, ice pick scar is the most difficult to treat among other types of acne scars. This scar is mostly small but it goes very deep into the dermis. But in some more severe cases, it is possible to get bigger scar holes.

• Treatment
The most common treatment for ice pick scars is punch excision. Skin graft is also possible by taking skin from other part of your body and put it inside the scars. However, if there are too many scars, which is usually the case, radiofrequency treatment might be needed. This treatment will help your skin to produce more collagens and the collagens will be used to fill the holes of the scars.

Boxcar Scars

• Appearance
Similar with ice pick, boxcar scars also make the skin depressed. However, the surface is much wider. It happens because there is not enough collagen during the healing process to sustain the shape of the skin.

• Treatment
Punch excision is also effective to treat boxcar scars. However, since the holes are much wider compared to ice pick scars, dermal filler is considered a more effective treatment. Layers of fat will be injected to the skin to help filling the depressed scars.

Hyperpigmentation

• Appearance
Contrary to the first two scars, hyperpigmentation doesn’t necessarily involve depression. There might be nothing wrong with the surface of your skin, but it will be discolored due to the inflammation of the acnes.

• Treatment
Hydroquinone is effective to bleach the skin and removes the pigmentation. During the hydroquinone therapy, you must remember to use sunblock. It is important because exposure to sun will make the pigmentation worse.

Getting rid of acne scars is very difficult, not to mention expensive. So, the best thing you can do is to prevent the scarring to appear at the very first place. Don’t pick on your acnes and consult your doctor to get the best acne treatment. But if the scars are already there, make sure you choose the best treatments according to the types of acne scars.